Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SMILE (08/13/20)
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TITLE: The Accidental Blessing | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Brand
08/19/20 -
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I hadn’t nursed my firstborn and lived with regret I didn’t choose it for my son. When I discovered my next pregnancy seven years later, a mixture of delight and fear settled in my soul. My husband never wanted more than one child but through a botched vasectomy, we were where he didn’t want to be. ‘Abort it!’ was his answer.
My recent declaration of faith in God became my testimony. I couldn’t kill a living being that was a combination of us and stood steadfast in my belief. He eventually came around to my way of thinking.
Surprise, it’s a girl! She was the first female in two generations on my husband’s side. He missed the delivery but his face beamed with delight as he relayed her birth to his family. Everyone celebrated.
I flew high with adrenaline. The Lord helped me through the labor with, “I lift my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven, and earth.” Easy birth, no episiotomy!
Determined to nurse her, I started off gang-busters. We had a little bout of jaundice which disappeared before we left the hospital. She would nurse fervently but soon became irritable after each feeding. I tried everything and, of course, felt intimidated and insecure which added to her emotional response.
My husband’s answer, “Give her a bottle!” Not what you should say to an emotional post-partum mother. I finally realized my milk was not providing the nourishment she needed. Her slow weight gain indicated the need for more nutrients. After my husband went to work, I decided to give in to his advice.
Instantaneous peace! She took to the bottle of formula like a calf to her mother and drank the entire four ounces. My ego crushed but I realized it wasn’t a reflection upon me. The features of her face had become calm, serene, and contented. As I cradled her in my arms she emitted soft cooing sounds.
I have a picture of her sitting in a tabletop infant lounger, gazing at her father. She reached to finger his bearded face as he leaned in near to her. Her interaction with him became more special as the corners of her lips curved upwards for the first time and we heard her sigh.
She has grown into a happy independent woman, full of joy and God. I am forever thankful for this answered prayer as He had designed.
Psalm 121:1a NIV
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